I've attended several groups with her, including Alanon. She's been to AA, too, but can't say she's an alcohol or addict because she isn't. She has no sobriety date because any experimenting she's done with anything was so many years ago that she doesn't remember. She seems to come to these groups just to socialize or be with other people and tends to go on and on about her past experiences, having nothing to do with the topic or addiction. She suggested that each of us be allowed to share for 20 minutes. *sigh*
I know she has problems, but her cringeworthy and repetitive epistles have caused a lot of resentments in pretty much any group she's attended. She also gets really angry and offended if/when anyone tries to cut her off. People decide not to attend anymore and her behavior caused at least one group to break up.
I tried to be friends with her, loved her dog, but I just couldn't take it, since she got worse and worse. She expected me to drive her places other than meetings and would call me and talk till my arm fell asleep. Just seeing her now causes me to feel panicky.
Thank you for letting me get that out, LOL. I didn't realize this bothered me so much. I think it's up to whoever is leading the meeting to firmly shut your woman down, but I know that this is easier said than done, since it's been up to me and subtlety just doesn't work.